OK so if we don't allow NT in these types of events how do we help them grow? How will the ever be exposed to this type of elite basketball. A bit like ACT @ the Classic, or Western Australia Country @ the Nationals.

There are some excellent junior tournaments held throughout the year by many associations both in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia.

Perhaps there is a mechanism by which the participation in and results of these tournaments become part of the qualification for the club nationals. This would be in addition to the current qualification mechanism.

A mechanism which is obviously not working for some states and effectively only providing the opportunity to indicate the gap between varying State and club programs. The current system is limiting the opportunity for some clubs, that have excellent programs, to compete at the highest level due to quota limits, when those clubs and programs could easily provide a more competitive environment.

and just how does a result like NT Southern Suns Boys 6 being defeated Melbourne Tigers Boys 132 give the NT suns level of competition to which they need aspire? It will do more to discourage participation than motivate improvement.IMO

FYI this year's draw has:5 teams from QLD4 teams from Vic 4 from NSWonly 3 from SA3 from WA2 fro Tas2 from NT and 1 ACT

The problem with saying "NT can just attend other tournaments throughout the year" is that they (NT South in particular) won't. There is a lot of funding that is only available to teams/players competing at national or international level, so while the Nunawading tournament might be a more appropriate standard for NT South, getting them there would be a lot harder.

Also, no one else you're going to invite is a candidate to win the event (except the Victorians). It is VERY rare that SA or NSW get all their teams into the top half of the field, so inviting a weaker team from those states might lift the standard, but it's not going to be by a massive amount.